How the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison Performed In MotorTrend’s Tests

If you have been looking at the Chevy Colorado as an option for your next truck purchase, you may have heard the buzz about the ZR2 Bison. It’s a package worth experiencing behind the wheel, and recently, MotorTrend gave a performance review of just that.

The ZR2 Bison options

This extreme off-road package is for those looking to embrace beast mode. American Expedition Vehicles, an off-road aftermarket company, collaborated with Chevy in designing this capable truck. Not to be confused as a trim level, the ZR2 Bison is considered an options package, exclusive for Colorado ZR2. A few standard options include:

Fog lamps

Fuel tank skid plate

Front skid plate

Rear differential skid plate

Tubular Steel Bumpers

17″ AEV aluminum wheels and spare

You can choose the extended cab long box or crew cab short box. The 3.6L V-6 LGZ gas engine is available, as is the 2.8L I-4 LWN diesel. It stands a healthy 8.9 inches off the ground, which isn’t record-breaking, but definitely notable.

What the ZR2 Bison can do that most others can’t

Based on its first review test with MotorTrend, the ZR2 Bison can go anywhere you want it to go, with ease. Pick up testing showed a 7.2-second window to get up to 60 mph. In towing, it also edged out higher pulling capacity than the regular ZR2. The 8-speed automatic transmission in the Bison ZR2 is smoother than the ZR2, too, making it easier to embrace the engine power. In braking, it even stops a little shorter than ZR2 as well. It doesn’t automatically come with a snorkel, but you can surely opt for one. This truck doesn’t shy away from almost any condition.

Bison characteristics in the ZR2

The North American bison have been a symbol of power and resourcefulness in nature for hundreds of years. It’s estimated over 30 million roamed the continent during the time of Columbus. By the 1800s, there were almost entirely extinct. The beast, once popular and prevalent, has, in recent years, become more of a unicorn.

In designing the Chevy Colorado Bison ZR2, it is evident Chevy intended to embrace the characteristics of the majestic animal. Much like its namesake, the Bison ZR2 is defined by its power, ruggedness in almost any environment, and capable nature. In nature, the wild bison have been found in extreme elements, including high altitudes and grinding weather conditions. They can also hustle with land speeds at up to 40 mph and jumping clearances of up to six feet. If there were ever a truck design that best represents the sheer power and capability of the noble animal, it would be the Bison ZR2.

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MotorTrend took the ZR2 Bison for a spin over 160 miles of off-road adventure in the Mojave Desert. This test put the Bison through sandy riverbeds and over rocky hills. The unwavering Colorado held its own throughout, and the team only engaged four low twice. What is their overall opinion? It is definitely a performance child of the American Expedition Vehicles and Chevrolet partnership. It’s a truck that handles and performs as if it’s entirely unstoppable. You will have peace of mind off-road, knowing the Bison ZR2 will get you through almost anything.

We are excited to see more reviews on the Chevy Colorado Bison ZR2 edition. It’s a monster of a midsize truck and in many cases, the unicorn in its space, much like the majestic beast for which it is named. If you get a chance to take one for a spin, do it. You won’t be disappointed.